They bet on the side that I would select the "Tennessee Toothpick" but I selected the other because it would make a better skinning knife and I could do more with it If it ever became a necessity, but there are plenty of standard issue skinners in my repertoire before I would ever got to this one. Happy with my choice, still embarrassed by the generosity of you folks. I come from mountain people. Same kind that fit (fought) Santa Ana at the Alamo. We work hard, ride hard, and give freely to those we admire or those in need. Accepting gifts or charity is not an easy pill to swallow. I accepted the gift and Lori was very surprised that I acquiesced and stepped out of the shadows of the closed society from which I come and my upbringing. I have a hard time accepting Christmas gifts from her and I tell her not to do it. That's me.
To be clear, I did not consider the gift a charitable act. Being from staunch Christian Scotsmen and Irish bloodlines, and always, always, working for what we have and making our own way and shunning the outside world it was humbling to accept and had Jay and Wendy and Lori been there to insist, I probably would have saddled up and ridden off without a word or the knife. Its why they call me J. Wales. There one minute, gone the next without a word. I wouldn't share this tidbit except with y'all. My family came here and took to the highlands because the mountains shield is from outsiders and government intervention. More often than not, family law trumps written civilization law and it's penalties are harsher.
Can't help what I am, proud and a giver, never a taker. I have asked that upon my demise someday that I be placed next to my grandfather, high on the mountain in East Kentucky where no outsider shall ever tread upon the herbage of our graves.
Hopefully that's a long time off, got lots of riding to do. I was Southern born and Southern bred, when I pass I'll be Southern dead.
Thanks again. No more gifts. There are folks in my past that still wonder what ever happened to me and why I disappeared without a trace. I sincerely appreciate y'all. We're done,with that now. Let's ride.